Writer and television commentator Selvaggia Lucarelli has detailed a decade of backstage tensions at Rai and her subsequent transition to Mediaset, revealing in an exclusive interview published in the magazine Chi that network leadership and producers frequently weighed replacing her on the talent show Ballando con le stelle due to political pressures.
Backstage Pressures and Political Alignments at Rai
Lucarelli spent ten years serving as a judge on the Saturday night Rai 1 dance competition Ballando con le stelle. In her interview with Chi, she disclosed that host Milly Carlucci repeatedly defended her position against external interference. According to Lucarelli, network executives tried to encourage Carlucci to swap her out for figures who were more politically aligned or possessed closer ties to political power structures.
«Ho avuto sempre questa grande capacità di inimicarmi tutti, sia a destra che a sinistra. In questi dieci anni sono cambiati i governi, eppure Milly e Giancarlo De Andreis hanno talvolta dovuto lottare per tenermi anche quando non c’era un governo di destra», ha dichiarato Lucarelli.
Reflecting on her departure from the public broadcaster, the writer expressed frustration over the media coverage that followed her exit. She noted that for three months, the press focused heavily on her leaving and speculated on her successor in what she characterized as a “revenge cast.” Lucarelli maintained that she chose silence throughout the period, refusing to use the show’s name to generate headlines.
The Transition to Mediaset and Cologno Monzese
Following her exit from Rai, Lucarelli shifted her career toward Mediaset, taking on new roles as a commentator on GF Vip and hosting L’isola dei famosi. She contrasted her reception at Cologno Monzese with her long experience in public television.
Lucarelli stated that her new professional home welcomed her by acknowledging the specific value she brings to a production. She contrasted this direct appreciation—which included personal phone calls, flowers, and attentive presence—with her time at Rai, where she often felt constrained by a bureaucratic apparatus taking instructions from external political forces.
An Anecdote Involving Michele Morrone
Alongside television industry behind-the-scenes accounts, the interview touched on personal anecdotes, including approaches from prominent figures in the entertainment industry. Lucarelli shared an exchange involving actor Michele Morrone, who reportedly reached out to invite her out for coffee when visiting Milan.
«Posso dire che ho rifiutato un caffè perfino a Michele Morrone. I caffè non li prendo, vedi Ilary? Impara! Mi scrisse: “Vengo a Milano, andiamo a prendere un caffè?”. Non gli ho mai risposto. A volte mi vanto ancora con le amiche mostrando loro lo screenshot», ha raccontato la scrittrice.
Behind the Headlines
- Ten-Year Run: Lucarelli served as a juror on Ballando con le stelle for a decade before exiting the Rai 1 program.
- Protection by Leadership: Host Milly Carlucci and Giancarlo De Andreis fought to retain her amid pressure from external political figures across changing government administrations.
- New Network Roles: The commentator transitioned to Mediaset to participate in GF Vip and host L’isola dei famosi.
Selvaggia Lucarelli discusses her move from Rai to Mediaset
Where did Selvaggia Lucarelli discuss her departure from Rai?
Lucarelli discussed her exit from Rai and her move to Mediaset during an exclusive interview published in the magazine Chi.
Who defended Lucarelli’s position on Ballando con le stelle?
According to Lucarelli, host Milly Carlucci and Giancarlo De Andreis fought to keep her on the panel despite pressure from individuals with political connections.
What are Lucarelli’s current television roles?
After leaving Rai, Lucarelli took on roles as a commentator on GF Vip and as a host for L’isola dei famosi at Mediaset.
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